How to Write a Scholastic Letter of Recommendation For a Teacher

Recommendation letters are considered an essential tool in the teacher's job search.

Teachers rely on recommendations to further their possibilities in the educational job market. A letter of recommendation from a colleague lends credible support of the applicant's skills and potential. According to Scholastic.com, discussions with teachers and principals determined that a recommendation letter could decide whether or not an interview is granted. Teachers advise applicants to assemble significant information about themselves to enable recommendations "that really stand out." The recommendation letter may be the only narrative that personally and professionally endorses a prospective teaching candidate.

Instructions

1. Consult with the applicant to discuss information to be covered in the letter. Make note of significant points and verify any deadlines. Collect any material such as a resume or supporting documents to help provide information and context.

2. Organize a rough draft of the letter. Outline the three components of the recommendation letter. This includes the introduction, body of the letter and conclusion. Keep a copy of your notes, the applicant's resume, and other pertinent applicant material accessible to refer to. After the practice draft, proceed to writing the actual letter.

3. Begin the letter with the introduction. Identify the name of the applicant, her profession and your relationship to the applicant. Add the working period dates, the work location and a general professional impression of the applicant.

   For example, the letter can begin with any of the following introductions:

   Karen Jones has been a (state profession) since (dates)

   I am writing this letter on behalf of Karen Jones

   I first knew Karen Jones

   Karen was my (position ) at

4. Continue with the body of letter. The body of the letter focuses on professionalism. Highlight areas of teaching skill, staff compatibility, scholarship and the applicant's strongest points. Comment on reliability, classroom management, problem-solving, and student rapport. Include key phrases such as "commitment," "communicative," "hard-working" and "initiative."

5. Write the conclusion of the letter. The conclusion includes a summary of personal observations of the applicant with a brief anecdote, if possible. The conclusion also ends with a final endorsement and with contact information.

   For example

   I am confident you will find Karen Jones a valuable asset to your staff

   I recommend without reservation Karen Jones

   I am pleased to write this letter for Karen

   I am certain you will find Karen Jones worthy of your highest consideration

   If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me

6. Proofread the letter for any errors. Send an advance copy to the applicant for input.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is not possible to write a positive letter of recommendation, it's best to let the applicant know. This allows the applicant to ask another colleague.

References

• Writing Letters of Recommendation
• Scholastic: Stellar Letters of Recommendation
• EDUERS:Sample Letter of Recommendation for Teacher
• Northern Michigan University: Sample Letter of Recommendation for Student Teachers

Resources

• New Mexico Tech: Grad Student Info